Students Ski Free in Colorado

Colorado Ski Country USA offers free lift tickets to fifth grade students and discounted tickets to sixth grade students.



Skiing and snowboarding is a common activity for many Colorado residents. Parents are eager to introduce their children to the 26 ski areas in the state but finances keep some families off the mountains. Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) defers part of that cost with the 5th Grade Passport, a program offering fifth graders three free days at each of the 21 participating Colorado ski resorts.



CSCUSA has provided this opportunity since 1996 and more than 130,000 families have participated in the program. Jodi Ayers and her 6th grade daughter Autumn comprise one such family.



Ayers is an avid skier. She has tried to pass her love of the sport on to her daughter for years. But Autumn hasn’t shown much enthusiasm on the slopes in the past. Ayers credits the 5th Grade Passport with making skiing more enjoyable for her daughter.



“I could easily take Autumn and her friends skiing, and having [those friends] made it more fun for her,” Ayers said.



Ayers explained that the passport allowed Autumn to ski with friends instead of just mom. And the friends pushed each other to improve.
Two first-time skiers from last season are ready for more this year according to Ayers. She enjoyed the chance to introduce newcomers to the sport she loves.



“It was great watching the girls who’ve never skied before improve so dramatically,” Ayers said.



She plans to take advantage of CSCUSA’s 6th Grade Graduate Program this season. The 6th Grade Graduate Passport allows students four days at each of the 21 participating ski areas for $99.00.



“I’m even thinking of getting a sixth grade pass for one of Autumn’s friend, if her parent’s don’t,” Ayers commented. “It’s such a good deal and it’s so good for the kids.”



Students can participate in the 6th grade program even if they do not have a 5th grade pass. CSCUSA sends applications for the 5th Grade Passport and the 6th Grade Graduate Passport to Colorado’s public and private schools by the end of September each year. An online application is also available at the program’s web site https://passport.coloradoski.com/.



Students will receive their passports within two to three weeks of applying. CSCUSA said they have a limited number of passes available, but they try to accommodate all applicants.